Telling an Inclusive History
Our goal at Carrollton Hall is to share a story that encompasses everyone who has lived here, including the indigenous communities who stewarded it and the enslaved people who helped shape it. As we continue to research the role of the Carroll and McTavish families in the building of this neoclassical home that was both so evocative of and ahead of its time, we are just as actively seeking to share the voices and experiences of the enslaved inhabitants of this land. We’re telling an interwoven story that gives equal weight and equal humanity to all involved.
Through our work at Carrollton Hall, we share an inclusive history of a wide variety of people and groups – many of whom are underrepresented in historic resources. We seek to amplify the marginalized and suppressed voices of the indigenous people and enslaved communities who have inhabited our site over the centuries. By telling these stories more fully, we hope to forge connections with the past and greater community in the present.
Beyond the Archives
Doing this work requires research that involves delving into archival documents, letters, and writings of and about the Carroll and McTavish families and their properties. We have access to other types of primary sources, as well, such as the original drawings by William Small, the architect who was commissioned to design Carrollton Hall.
We’ve had the privilege to meet and learn from descendants of many enslaved individuals who lived and worked on this property at the time it was owned by the Carroll and McTavish families. Their oral histories, understanding of family lore, and, often, their own thorough genealogical research give us perspective and information not documented in the traditional historical record.
While paper trails provide an important perspective, they are not the only way we can learn about and tell the story of our site. Our team is also working with descendants of those who lived on and near the site from as many demographics as possible, as well as a variety of partners in the community to understand and reconstruct the complex history of this important place.
It’s particularly important that we earn from descendants of enslaved individuals who lived and worked on this property, and ones connected to it, at the time it was owned by the Carroll and McTavish families. Their oral histories, understanding of family lore, and their own thorough genealogical research give us perspectives and information often not documented in the traditional historical record. Their insight into how this material should be shared with the public is also vital to our ongoing work developing the interpretation and programming at Carrollton Hall.
Our research is a work in progress, and we are only at the beginning. If you’d like to be part of the community contributing to our understanding of Carrollton Hall, please email info@carrolltonhall.org.